Rare Himalayan vulture rescued from drowning in Yamuna

Agra, Aug 6 (IANS) Thanks to watchful villagers in Sikandra area of Agra, a rare juvenile Himalayan Griffon vulture was rescued from drowning in the Yamuna on Monday.

The young raptor was trying desperately to stay afloat. Seeing it, the villagers informed the Forest Department which alerted the local Wildlife SOS.

Forest Officer Devendra Singh said officers were immediately sent to the scene.

Ilayaraja, Wildlife SOS Deputy Director, Veterinary Services, said: “We found a blood clot in the left nasal opening that was blocking the air passage and it was suffering from lethargy and weakness.

“The bird is under mandated medical observation to ensure it recuperates safely from the ordeal.”

Baiju Raj M.V, Director Conservation Projects, Wildlife SOS, said: “The Yamuna has been overflowing due to the marked increase in rainfall in Agra which has caused soil erosion and trees have been uprooted near the river banks. We suspect the bird might have fallen from a nest but this is yet to be confirmed.”

The Himalayan Griffon Vulture (Gyps himalayensis) is an Old World vulture found along the Himalayas and the adjoining Tibetan Plateau. This species is protected under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.